Arthur Elliott
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Arthur Elliott
ParticipantOil transformers are classified by application and cooling method. Common types include distribution transformers, power transformers, current and voltage transformers, and special purpose units. Cooling classes include ONAN, ONAF, OFAF, and OFWF. Design variants include conservator type, sealed type, and hermetically sealed transformers. Each type is optimized for voltage level, load profile, installation environment, and maintenance strategy.
05.02.2026 at 13:47 in reply to: What is the difference between dry transformer and oil transformer designs? #3248ParticipantDry transformers use air or solid insulation and are typically used indoors with lower fire risk. Oil transformers use liquid insulation for superior cooling and higher voltage capability. Oil transformers are more compact and efficient for high power applications but require spill and fire protection.
ParticipantA tan delta test, also called dissipation factor or power factor test for oil, indicates how much dielectric loss the oil has under AC stress. Low tan delta means the oil behaves like a good insulator with minimal dielectric heating. Higher tan delta often points to contamination or aging such as moisture, oxidation byproducts, sludge precursors, or dissolved polar compounds that increase conductivity and dielectric losses. The result is used alongside moisture, acidity, and BDV to judge whether oil needs drying, filtration, regeneration, or replacement, especially before stressing the transformer at high load.
02.02.2026 at 17:33 in reply to: What steps are involved in a transformer oil filtration procedure? #2936ParticipantA typical procedure includes safety isolation, setting up sealed hoses and clean filters, warming oil if required, and circulating oil through filtration and vacuum dehydration equipment. The system removes particles and water, and often degasses the oil. Operators monitor flow, temperature, and differential pressure across filters. Samples are taken before and after treatment to verify BDV, moisture, and dielectric loss improvements. The process continues until targets are met, then equipment is disconnected and ports are sealed. Final checks include oil level, leak inspection, and documentation of test results and volumes processed.
ParticipantMany medium and high voltage transformers use oil, but not all transformers contain oil. Oil filled transformers use insulating fluid to provide dielectric strength and remove heat from windings and core. The oil also suppresses partial discharge and protects paper insulation from rapid aging by maintaining stable thermal conditions. Dry type transformers use air and solid insulation instead of oil, often preferred indoors for fire and environmental reasons. The choice depends on rating, environment, and safety requirements.
31.01.2026 at 04:34 in reply to: When should silicone oil for transformers be used instead of mineral oil? #2595ParticipantUse silicone oil when fire safety requirements are strict, such as indoor substations, high occupancy buildings, or locations where mineral oil fire risk is unacceptable. It is also selected where thermal stability and wide ambient temperature performance are important. Mineral oil remains preferred for cost and broad utility acceptance, so silicone is typically a risk driven decision. Before choosing, confirm transformer design compatibility, containment requirements, and maintenance practices, because silicone fluids can differ from mineral oils in handling and procurement.
29.01.2026 at 00:12 in reply to: What secondary voltage is required for an oil burner transformer ignition system? #2291ParticipantOil burner ignition transformers typically produce secondary voltages in the range of 8,000 to 12,000 volts AC. This high voltage is necessary to generate a strong, consistent spark across the burner electrodes. The exact voltage requirement depends on burner design, electrode spacing, and combustion chamber conditions. Adequate voltage ensures reliable ignition even under cold start conditions or minor fuel and airflow variations.
ParticipantAn oil BDV test set measures the insulating strength of transformer oil. After filtration or before commissioning, a sample is placed between 2.5 mm electrodes, and voltage is applied until breakdown. Fluidex supplies automatic BDV kits with safety features.
ParticipantFO (Fuel Oil) purifiers are centrifugal systems used on ships for diesel, not suitable for transformer oil. Transformer oil requires vacuum-based systems. Use Fluidex or GlobeCore vacuum purifiers for mineral or ester oils – with BDV recovery and degassing.
06.09.2025 at 05:53 in reply to: What is waste oil purification and how does it differ from filtration? #1779ParticipantWaste oil purification includes deep filtration, vacuum degassing, and sometimes clay-based regeneration. Unlike basic filtration, it restores chemical and dielectric properties. Fluidex builds purification systems for transformer and industrial oils.
06.09.2025 at 05:28 in reply to: What’s the current waste oil price per liter in industrial markets? #1777ParticipantWaste oil price varies by region and condition. In Europe it ranges from ?0.05 to ?0.25/liter. However, if purified via Fluidex regeneration systems, the same oil can be reused – offering better ROI than selling it as waste.
06.09.2025 at 01:59 in reply to: What are best practices for filtering used oil in power transformers? #1759ParticipantBest practice includes: vacuum dehydration, fine filtration (1-5 µm), degassing, and BDV confirmation. Fluidex units handle this in one pass. Regular filtering extends oil life, reduces transformer aging, and ensures consistent dielectric performance.
05.09.2025 at 09:52 in reply to: Looking for a waste oil purification machine to restore used transformer oil – any leads? #1677ParticipantIf you’re working with heavily aged or sludge-laden transformer oil, a waste oil purification machine with vacuum, filtration, and regeneration is your best option. Fluidex and GlobeCore both manufacture full-cycle systems that restore BDV, reduce acidity, and remove contaminants. A solid investment for service providers or industrial sites looking to recycle oil in-house.
05.09.2025 at 09:12 in reply to: What is the correct process for oil filtration of transformer before energization? #1673ParticipantHeat the oil to 60-70 °C, perform vacuum degassing, then pass it through multi-stage filtration down to 1-5 µm. Fluidex machines automate the process and offer inline BDV test ports to confirm quality before energizing. Proper filtration ensures long-term insulation reliability.
04.09.2025 at 22:16 in reply to: What is an oil dehydrator used for in transformer maintenance? #1613ParticipantAn oil dehydrator removes water – both dissolved and free – from transformer or turbine oil. Fluidex oil dehydrators use vacuum dehydration and heating to restore dielectric strength and prevent insulation breakdown. These units are essential after insulation gets exposed to humidity during service or after oil has absorbed moisture during operation. Available as standalone or integrated into larger purification systems.
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